Orlando Pirates defeats Stellenbosch 3-0 in the MTN8 final, securing 4th consecutive MT8 title. Image: News24.
(The Post News)– Orlando Pirates wrote their names into the history books on Saturday night after defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium. Pirates becomes the first team in South African football to win the MTN8 title four seasons in a row.
After a goalless 90 minutes in which Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens kept his side in the contest with a string of saves, Ouaddou’s substitutions proved decisive. Moremi broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute, latching onto an Oswin Appollis pass before calmly slotting home. Mabasa doubled the lead midway through extra time, and Moremi struck again to cap a resounding 3-0 victory.
Delivering his first trophy just three months after taking over, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said he never doubted his project despite a shaky start to the season. “I wasn’t worried when results were eluding us. Maybe people were worried and had lots of doubts about the coach, but like I said, football needs patience sometimes,” Ouaddou said. “When you come to a club with 10 new players and you need to implement a philosophy… it was important to keep the legacy but also make the team more dangerous,” he added.
Pirates Captain Hails Teammates
Captain Innocent Maela hailed the achievement as “a historic moment” for the club. Maela said that the team dedicates the victory to its fans and supporters, noting, “They deserve it.” He also commended the team for the “hard work, sacrifices, and mentality” the squad had—historically retaining the title for four consecutive seasons.
Meanwhile, the win carried special emotional weight for Ouaddou, who was involved in a serious road accident with several team members just two weeks ago. Defender Tapelo Xoki and goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons have not yet returned to duty after the crash. “It was tough for my goalkeeper coach, who’s at home now, and also for Tapelo and the team manager. I dedicate this victory to them and to the fans,” Ouaddou said.
He added that the accident was very dangerous, and he is just happy to be here because life is short sometimes. The coach expressed how lucky they are to be alive and said they “thank God.” With the MTN8 trophy secured, Pirates now shift focus to continental competition. They face Lioli of Lesotho in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg at Free State Stadium on Saturday.
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